Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Speculative biology is simultaneously a science and form of art in which one speculates on the possibilities of life and evolution. What could the world look like if dinosaurs had never gone extinct? What could alien lifeforms look like? What kinds of plants and animals might exist in the far future? These questions and more are tackled by speculative biologists, and the Speculative Evolution welcomes all relevant ideas, inquiries, and world-building projects alike. With a member base comprising users from across the world, our community is the largest and longest-running place of gathering for speculative biologists on the web.

While unregistered users are able to browse the forum on a basic level, registering an account provides additional forum access not visible to guests as well as the ability to join in discussions and contribute yourself! Registration is free and instantaneous.

Join our community today!

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Brachiostomata Cladogram
Topic Started: Jul 20 2008, 09:41 PM (1,035 Views)
Saxophlutist
Member Avatar
Adult
 *  *  *  *  *  *
Posted Image

Here is a cladogram for the phylum Brachiostomata I was able to put together. I might revise it later and put in more archaiac groups.


These are a phylum of creatures with two-axis symmetry or quadrilateral frontal symmetry. They evolved from detritus feeding worm-like organisms. The majority of the major groups are sessile creatures. The most primitive groups the Bullazoa and the Archaeobrachidia show already many trait that will be used as a template for future groups. The two extant major groups are the Ovamorphs and the Sagittamorphs. Ovamorphs are sessile and mostly sessile organisms. The Sagittamorphs are a subphylum of organisms that are resultant from neoteny, with their body plan coming from the larvae of sessile ancestors. (Illustrated at the left)

Excerpt From Taxonomy Page
 

Phylum Brachiostomata: Brachiostomates
Name Meaning: Arm-mouth
Organisms with digestive system situated as the central axis in the body, most have completely or roughly quadrilateral symmetry. Locomotive limbs are stationed to the back of the body, on the opposite end from the oral tract. All have oral appendages stored in muscular sacs near the esophagus. Near the oral end of the body most have numerous infrared light gathering organs for sight and electroreceptors that appear on the skin as small indents grouped in threes. Most organs revolve around the digestive system; most are shaped like bands ringing the organisms' central axis, such as the Cardiac (heart), Cerebral (brain), and sometimes placental sacs. Other times, they are in fours, such as the Sagittaformes' buoyancy bladders, though there are exceptions to this body plan. The digestive system consists of an oral tract, a gastric mill for grinding food, and organ with membranes that absorb nutrients, and the excretory system for expelling waste. Electrical weaponry has evolved a number of times from having the biological generators used in electroreception, most notably in Sea Arrows. These organisms show examples of adaptive radiation, most notably with the oral appendages. The organ that creates the electric current and store electricity, is similar to a battery cell, in that, ion are stored in the organ while there are sections in the organ that act as battery cells. These organisms share a close evolutionary relationship with Cardiophyta, as oppose to Metazoa (Animals) on Earth's relationship to the native dominant autotrophic kingdom, Archaeoplastida (Land plants and Green Algae).


Edited by Saxophlutist, Sep 21 2008, 02:09 PM.
Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Marty Party
Member Avatar
Fithp Herdmaster
 *  *  *
so these are kinda like crinoids or sea anemones with shells?
Posted Image
My deviantArt
Posted Image
I support the tree octopus
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Saxophlutist
Member Avatar
Adult
 *  *  *  *  *  *
Somewhat, I'd a-liken the filterfeeders more to seas cucumbers. And they are mostly soft-bodied with cartilidge-like supports.
The ones with shells and mineralized internal skeletons swim around, and fill the active niches.
Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · The Habitable Zone · Next Topic »
Add Reply